THE creation of concrete financial mechanisms to support developing nations in dealing with the vagaries of climate change remains critical, a sustainability and environmental activist has said.
This comes as the government, in partnership with Unicef and the Korea International Co-operation Agency, launched a climate resilience initiative in Harare on Monday — the “Climate Action for the Last Mile: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe” project — that is set to benefit 30 000 people directly and one million indirectly.
Hailing the November 2024 COP29 gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan as a defining moment in the global fight against climate change at a time when the world was facing unprecedented climate disasters, Nehemiah Chipato, founder of African Renaissance Sustainable Development (ARSD), said there were intense negotiations on climate finance, emissions reductions and the urgent need for stronger commitments under the Paris Agreement.
He added that there was a need for concrete financial mechanisms to support developing nations in their fight against the impact of climate change.
"This was a make-or-break moment for scaling up climate finance," said Chipato, who was part of the Zimbabwean delegate to the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
"Developing nations such as Zimbabwe are at the hardest hit by climate impacts, yet we continue to struggle with inadequate funding to build resilience and transition to clean energy.
"We need more than just promises; we need an enforceable framework that guarantees predictable and accessible climate finance," Chipato said.
One of the key outcomes of COP29 was renewed commitment by developed nations to mobilise US$100 billion annually for climate adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable countries with many African nations, including Zimbabwe, arguing that the pledges should be backed by clear timelines and mechanisms for direct access to funds.
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Chipato also said climate funds would be used in adaptation and response programmes towards building resilience in communities.
"For Zimbabwe, adaptation is not a choice — it’s a necessity. Our agricultural sector, water resources and ecosystems are under severe stress due to rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns," he said.
Although the current season has been fair in terms of rains, Zimbabwe has been experiencing prolonged droughts, extreme heat and shifting rainfall patterns that threaten food security and economic stability.
While the country has made strides in reforestation, solar energy expansion and sustainable land management, these efforts require sustained financial and technical support.
Reports presented at COP29 stressed the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, warning that the planet is already 1.1°C warmer than pre-industrial levels, a development that has led to a spike in climate-related disasters, which have been more frequent and devastating globally.
"If we fail to act now, we risk crossing irreversible tipping points," Chipato said.
"Global emissions must be cut by at least 45% by 2030 to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach. Every delay makes the challenge even greater."
Without immediate and equitable implementation, many argued, the commitments made in Baku will remain symbolic rather than transformative.
"Climate action is not just about reducing emissions; it is about justice and equity. A just transition means ensuring that developing countries have the means to shift to a green economy without sacrificing their development goals," the ARSD founder said.
Climate action, Chipato said, had to be a top priority for individuals, businesses and governments worldwide as nations prepared for COP30 in Brazil later this year.
